Mariner beats Kamiak to clinch 4A South title

EVERETT — The Mariner boys soccer team knew what was on the line Wednesday night and came out firing.

Marauders senior Miguel Medina collected a boot from goalkeeper Silvan Katynskiy and put it into the back of the goal in the first minute of the game — the first of two goals for Medina — to get Mariner going in the right direction early, as the Marauders defeated Kamiak 3-0 and clinched the Wesco South 4A league title.

“I told them it was do or die tonight,” said Marauders’ head coach Vince DeSimone. “We have to go out and play the best game we can play, leave it all out on the field and we’ll win the title. And we did. They took care of it.”

Medina’s goal helped put Mariner in control early. He added another goal in the second half.

“Besides being exciting, (the early goal) helps us dictate the game,” DeSimone said. “We show that we’re ready. We’re ready for this game. We’ve got Medina and he’s one of the best strikers in the state of Washington. He’s really good. I’m so glad we have him.”

Edgar Navarro also scored for Mariner (11-3-1 league, 10-5-1 overall) off an assist by Ali Al-Azadi. Katynskiy recorded the shutout in goal for the Maurauders.

Like Mariner, Kamiak (8-7, 8-8) had already clinched a spot in the 4A District tournament before Wednesday’s game.